Using On / Off switch
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Using On / Off switch
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
I always put the bike in neutral, turn off the on/off switch and then turn off and remove the key. Just the way I've done it since day one.
I always put the bike in neutral, turn off the on/off switch and then turn off and remove the key. Just the way I've done it since day one.
Many places I park are so uneven that after turning the bike off I let it roll slightly until the resistance from the tranny being in gear 'holds it in place', and then I lower the kickstand.
Do you leave your car or truck in neutral when you park, especially if you are running a 'manual transmission'?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Using On / Off switch
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
Be careful when parking on uneven surfaces, as it doesn't take much for a bike to roll beyond the amount of resistance you get from the stand.
Many places I park are so uneven that after turning the bike off I let it roll slightly until the resistance from the tranny being in gear 'holds it in place', and then I lower the kickstand.
Do you leave your car or truck in neutral when you park, especially if you are running a 'manual transmission'?
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
I always put the bike in neutral, turn off the on/off switch and then turn off and remove the key. Just the way I've done it since day one.
I always put the bike in neutral, turn off the on/off switch and then turn off and remove the key. Just the way I've done it since day one.
Many places I park are so uneven that after turning the bike off I let it roll slightly until the resistance from the tranny being in gear 'holds it in place', and then I lower the kickstand.
Do you leave your car or truck in neutral when you park, especially if you are running a 'manual transmission'?
Thanks for reminding me of that fact...
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Emporia, KS
RE: Using On / Off switch
It just depends on where I park at to if it goes into neutral or stays in gear. Just like my car if its on a slope I put the parking brake on and leave it in gear. I know bikes don't have a parking break but if its sloped enough I feel nervous I find somewhere else to park. (Yes, even if it means walking farther)
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Using On / Off switch
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
And even though I always pull in the clutch while starting a bike, I also 'click' the transmission into neutral before firing it up.
And even though I always pull in the clutch while starting a bike, I also 'click' the transmission into neutral before firing it up.
Now, maybe this warning means that shifting to anything but neutral with the engine stopped is bad, which might make some sense, so they are maybe saying you should stop in 3rd gear then shut it down (though how someone would come to a parking stop and not be in 1st would be interesting).
In any case, just one observation. Oh, and I pretty much use the kill switch to shut off my engine, then turn off the ignition switch (and in the case of the Sportster 3rd is to turn off the petcock).
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Using On / Off switch
The trick to putting you bike in neutral (from 1st) when it is stopped and the engine isn't running is to 'rock the bike' slightly back and forth while holding in the clutch lever..
Doesn't take much, just a inch or two of movement, and the gear lever will slip into neutral with hardly any effort.
Doesn't take much, just a inch or two of movement, and the gear lever will slip into neutral with hardly any effort.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Using On / Off switch
ORIGINAL: lilredchic
It just depends on where I park at to if it goes into neutral or stays in gear. Just like my car if its on a slope I put the parking brake on and leave it in gear. I know bikes don't have a parking break but if its sloped enough I feel nervous I find somewhere else to park. (Yes, even if it means walking farther)
It just depends on where I park at to if it goes into neutral or stays in gear. Just like my car if its on a slope I put the parking brake on and leave it in gear. I know bikes don't have a parking break but if its sloped enough I feel nervous I find somewhere else to park. (Yes, even if it means walking farther)
I've actually gotten better on the smaller hills, I don't kill it anymore at least.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Emporia, KS
RE: Using On / Off switch
Its the same concept as with my car but its hands and feet instead of just feet. LOL It took a few trys to get it figured out the easiest way for me to do it. Hubby had ALL kinds of suggestions on how to. I finally went without him on a not so busy street and practiced w/o input. (alot less nerve racking) Still not a pro but much better. [&:]
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury, MD
RE: Using On / Off switch
My Triumph owner's manual says use the key; not the switch.
My FXD owner's manual says use the switch; then turn off the key.
I'm overwhelmed by such conflicts. [sm=bangbang.gif]
My FXD owner's manual says use the switch; then turn off the key.
I'm overwhelmed by such conflicts. [sm=bangbang.gif]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Using On / Off switch
ORIGINAL: walc
My Triumph owner's manual says use te key; not the switch.
My FXD owner's manual says use the switch; then tur off the key.
I'm overwhelmed by such conflicts. [sm=bangbang.gif]
My Triumph owner's manual says use te key; not the switch.
My FXD owner's manual says use the switch; then tur off the key.
I'm overwhelmed by such conflicts. [sm=bangbang.gif]
When you want to turn off the bike just tilt it over past a 45 degree angle and the bank angle sensor will automatically shut it down.